iPad and Chromebook Program

The St. Hilary School iPad and Chromebook Program

Overview

St. Hilary School introduced iPads into the classroom during the 2012-2013 school year.

In conjunction with introduction of the iPad program, a comprehensive professional development
program was undertaken focusing on the iPads. Classes were offered throughout the school year
for faculty and staff to learn the basics and beyond, inspiring them to take their students' learning
to the next level by using iPads in innovative ways.

In 2016-2017, Chromebooks were introduced into the classroom due to the expanded use and functions of Google for Education, and to give students experience with different technologies and platforms.

Professional development will continue to be
an integral part of our iPad and Chromebook program. We believe that as technology continues to evolve,
so must the skill set of our faculty and staff as they lead the way for our students.
However, the school maintains the philosophy that while iPads and Chromebooks are one means by which teachers and students
may share the quest for knowledge together, they do not replace a teacher's role as instructor and a student's
role as an active, inqusitive learner.

1:1 iPad and Chromebook Program

In the 2013-2014 school year, we rolled out our 1:1 iPad program.
As a leader in the use of instructional technology among elementary schools in our area,
we were poised to take this next step in our iPad program, building on the great strides made in 2012-2013.

In the 2017-2018 school year, we added 1:1 Chromebooks, based on the success of our use of Chromebooks in the classroom during 2016-2017.
In the 1:1 iPad and Chromebook program, every student in grades 6 and 7 is provided a Chromebook and every student in grade 8 is provided an iPad to be used
both at school and at home. Many interactive digital textbooks are available through the iPads and Chromebooks,
helping to lessen the weight of students' backpacks and challenge students to learn
using state-of-the-art technology. Additionally, students' assignment notebooks and personal
schedules are integrated into the iPads and Chromebooks, encouraging students to be self-directed in
managing their homework assignments and study time.
The initial 1:1 iPads have been replaced in phases with iPad Air devices,
as we continue to move this program forward.

Working behind the scenes to help ensure the success of this program is our school technology committee,
as well as our IT service provider, technology teachers, and technology facilitator. Together, this team works to
ensure the effective use of iPads and Chromebooks as teaching and learning tools. Additionally, fiber optic cable has been installed, allowing our school to support over 1,000 devices.

While students in grades 6, 7 and 8 use 1:1 iPads and Chromebooks,
students in grades K-5 will continue to have access to iPad and Chromebook carts, as well as class sets of iPad 2 and iPad Air tablets during the school day.

Important Notes

The school owns the devices. The iPads and Chromebooks are being loaned to students for the school year. Families are responsible for any damage or loss of the devices. Families are encouraged to purchase insurance for the iPads and Chromebooks. Please see the links below for insurance information and claims information.

The iPads and Chromebooks will be monitored by the school via a management software tool which will track both iPad and Chromebooks usage and apps loaded on the devices. Any unauthorized use of the iPad or Chromebook will result in disciplinary action.

As always, students will have filtered Internet access at school.
The filter prohibits students from visiting social networking and other inappropriate websites.

Only school-approved apps can be downloaded on the iPad or Chromebook.

A Word of Gratitude

This program would not be possible without the generous financial support of our Parents' Association,
through funds raised by our school parents, as well as the benevolence of private donors.
The iPad Air devices purchased in 2015 were made possible through a Rooted in Faith Grant
from the Diocese of Cleveland.

Chromebooks purchased in 2017 and 2019 were purchased with funds raised by our Parents' Association.
Thank you for supporting our school and our students as we work to develop the technology leaders of tomorrow today.